Special Reports

EY and Brightree: Local knowledge, good packaging and SAP

EY snapped up a Malaysia-based SAP (NYSE: SAP) boutique, one of the first to implement SAP Business Suite 4 HANA (S/4HANA) in APAC. Through this “tuck in” acquisition, TBR sees a way to understand the global EY firm.

A Malaysian marriage, a perfect fit When EY acquired Brightree Solutions in August, TBR commented immediately on the highly localized nature of the acquisition and the presumably strong SAP qualifications Brightree brought to EY. Discussing the deal in detail with APAC-based EY executives brought further color and clarity to how Brightree fits into the firm’s local, global and technology-oriented strategy. At a basic core competency level, the acquisition marries EY’s long-standing strategy and technology consulting capabilities and Brightree’s implementation skills and experience. Further, Brightree’s decidedly local client base reinforces EY’s global strategy of operating with a more localized mindset (what we would describe as breathing, being and staying local). Those local clients also fit with EY’s strategy of seeking out small to midsize enterprises relatively new to SAP. When considered within the context of EY’s technology strategy and focus areas — cybersecurity, analytics and SAP — Brightree fits right in.